Podcast Roundup for Knitters

I don’t know about you, but I like to listen to upbeat music while I’m cleaning house or fixing dinner. Lately, my spinning time is spent in front of reruns of Friends. I do, however, enjoy listening to a good podcast while in the car, doing watercolor painting, and sitting still long enough to get in a bit of knitting time. With so many great podcasts out in the world, I’m always on the hunt for recommendations from friends for something new and different to add to my playlist.

We reached out to some of the Farm & Fiber Knits designers and posed the question, “Are there any podcasts that you like to knit to?”

Juliette Pécaut

Juliette Pécaut Designs, designer of the Charlie Slipover:

Juliette is shown with the Charlie Slipover. Photo at left courtesy of Juliette Pécaut, at right by Gayle Zucker

“I love listening to podcasts while I knit! I love the Making Conversation podcast. Jen Joyce always makes sure to include a wide variety of voices across the fiber world, and it’s great to hear those different perspectives. I also appreciate the episodes focused on fiber festivals and events, like Sacred Sheep and Flock. It helps with the FOMO of not attending myself when I get to listen to Jen’s experiences of these events!”

---

Seth Richardson

Seth Richardson Knits, designer of the Pearls Kerchief and Turnout Shawl:

Seth is shown with the Turnout Shawl. Photos by Gale Zucker

“Although I love a good knitting podcast, I’m not incredibly loyal to one; usually I just tune in when I learn that someone has an interesting guest or topic. So most of the time I’m listening to podcasts that aren’t strictly related to knitting, but they might have some appeal.

“I definitely lean more to the “self-improvement” section of the podcast app when I’m knitting! I’ve been listening to The Chase Jarvis LIVE Show for many years because his main message is to encourage creativity in your craft or business, whatever that might mean for you. His background is in photography, but his conversations cover musicians, writers, artists, and other thinkers who can inspire your creative path. Although it’s not a fiber-related program, as a knitter and a designer it keeps me thinking about different ways to approach my business, keep my eyes open for fresh ideas, or even become unstuck in my knitting and design work when I’m not sure what’s next. Otherwise, I’m probably listening to a disco playlist or I’m watching old episodes of Project Runway, which are a constant source of inspiration and entertainment!”

---

Hannah Thiessen Howard

Slow Knitting, designer of the Luisetta Vest:

At left: Hannah’s Luisetta Vest; photo by Gale Zucker. At right: Hannah is shown wearing her Tennis Tank design; photo courtesy of Hannah Thiessen Howard.

“I don’t listen to a lot of podcasts, but as far as knitting podcasts, I like The Extra Stitch with Jewell Washington; Witch, Stitch, & Brew (a good old fashioned Stitch & Bitch with sassy hosts!); EmToTheThird Knitting podcast; and Making Conversation with Jen Joyce.

“These are a few that get me every time—though not knitting related: Long Winded with Gabby Windey, The Vaill Files, Call Her Daddy, and Chicken Shop Date.”

---

As a knitter and spinner who also dabbles in lots of non-fiber crafts, I’ve become hooked on Heart & Hands of a Maker. Host Tamara Honaman, a knitter and jewelry artist, features crafters who work in a variety of mediums, offering insight on everything from the value of finished artwork to finding a balance between work and creativity. A favorite episode provided advice on embracing imperfection on our creative journey.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention The Long Thread Podcast, with host Anne Merrow. Here’s what we love about this podcast:

“I, of course, love listening to Long Thread Media’s podcast, The Long Thread; Anne’s voice is so soothing and it’s a great way to learn about crafts beyond knitting.”
—Juliette Pécaut

“Knitting podcasts? I enjoy listening to The Long Thread, of course—I have been interviewed for an episode and I love this podcast. Anne is such a good host.”
—Hannah Thiessen Howard

What I love about The Long Thread Podcast is that, although I’ve worked in the craft industry for nearly 20 years, I still learn so much from each episode, like what inspired the inventor of the Turtle Loom, how a full-time potter discovered the fiber arts, and all about lace in the context of history, culture, and gender.

Here’s hoping you’re inspired to discover a new podcast this summer as you cast on.

—Debbie